Through the Woods

A canoe trip down the Mississippi River inspired the Okee Dokee Brothers' Grammy Award-winning CD, "Can You Canoe." As accomplished as they are likable, the "Brothers"—friends from childhood Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander"—are back with a new album with equally lively, authentic appeal: a robust musical jamboree rooted in the month that the pair spent hiking the Appalachian Trail. Again joined by a sterling company of fellow acoustic musicians, Lansing (banjo) and Mailander (guitar) distilled their experience into playful and thoughtful songs ("Evergreen," "Fiddle Stick Joe," "Tiny Little Life," "Echo") crafted with the warmth and storytelling resonance of traditional folk and mountain music. Through their songs and engaging footage of their Appalachian trek, Lansing and Mailander celebrate old-time music and meet new friends while communicating the rewards of connecting with the natural world. The DVD highlights, along with breathtaking scenery and Lansing and Mailander's banter, include a visit with recording artist and multi-instrumentalist David Holt, a country store dance party with sprightly cloggers of all ages, and a mountain top encounter with shaggy wild ponies.

A freelance writer and editor for the arts and non-profit organizations, Lynne is a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, where she established the paper's first weekly children's arts and entertainment beat.